Tourists cancel trip as locals block road to Chilika

Puri: Resentment was brewing among several tourists as they were unable to visit Chilika, a popular tourist destination in Odisha following an agitation by locals on Wednesday.

The locals had staged a road blockade at Khandual chhak protesting the unrest and violence that broke out following a clash between Baghamunda and Sipakuda villages in Brahmagiri yesterday.

"Some local people prevented and warned us not go through the road saying as there is tension following bombing incidents. We are unhappy as we were not able to visit Chilika and cancel our trip. We hope that government will try to resolve the issue so that tourists do not have to suffer due to such issues," a tourist said.

30 persons were injured after bombs were hurled after a group clash between both the villages over construction of a jetty on a patch of government land in Kianasi yesterday.

Over 100 bombs were lobbed by either side following the clash. Some villagers of Baghamunda alleged as many as 20 boats were torched by residents of Sipakuda.